Birdwatching and Conservation on the BC Bird Trail
Wildlife, Wetlands, and Birding in British Columbia's Beautiful Fraser Valley

Nestled in the tranquil Vedder River floodplain in Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve offers an unforgettable nature experience. Spanning 326 acres, the reserve’s Salwein Wetlands are an ecological treasure, serving as the only un-dyked wetlands along the Chilliwack/Vedder River. This rich habitat supports an incredible range of birds and wildlife, including waterfowl, amphibians, bobcats, eagles, and of course the iconic Great Blue Herons. The restored Salwein Creek provides vital spawning grounds for salmon and sustains the red-listed Salish Sucker, further enhancing the area’s biodiversity.

Visitors are welcomed at the Rotary Interpretive Centre, run by dedicated volunteers who share interactive exhibits and educational programs on local conservation efforts. Established in 1976, the Great Blue Heron colony on the property has flourished, peaking at more than 203 nests in the 1990s. A network of trails and bird blinds makes the reserve ideal for birdwatching, while a pollinator garden supports bees and butterflies. From the tall wooden observation tower, guests can enjoy bird's eye views of wetlands, mountains, and active bird life.

During our visit, we spotted Mallards, American Wigeons, and Canada Geese gliding across the pond, while the heronry and a Bald Eagle nest stood out in the treetops. The interpretive staff even shared a recording of the heron colony, bringing the calls of fledglings to life, even though they had already fledged. With more than 180 bird species recorded at the site, the reserve is a popular birding hotspot in the Fraser Valley. As a result, it is also a stop on the BC Bird Trail and it is located along the Trans Canada Trail, making it an essential stop for travellers seeking both adventure and connection to British Columbia’s most remarkable landscapes.